Related Links

Man dies from injuries in June accident

Published: Friday, August 30, 2013 at 5:33 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, August 30, 2013 at 5:33 p.m.

An Ocala man struck by a vehicle while walking down a road in north Marion County in late June has died.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers said Friday that Robert James, 55, was pronounced dead at UF Health at Jacksonville on Aug. 23. Officials said James died from complications from wounds he received in the crash, which occurred June 29.

Authorities said Monica K. Mitchell, 27, of Gainesville, was driving a 2005 Ford Expedition north on U.S. 441/U.S. 301 in the outside lane, approaching County Road 329. James, they said, was walking in the outside lane of U.S. 301, north of the intersection.

Mitchell traveled through the intersection at CR 329, and she saw James and tried to stop, but the left front of her vehicle struck him.

The accident occurred at 1:55 a.m.

James was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville in critical condition. He was later transferred to Jacksonville, where he died.

Troopers said it is not known where James was going.

At this point, it does not appear speed or alcohol were a factor on the part of the driver, troopers said, adding that the investigation remains open.

James' death is the 34th for the year in the county, four of which occurred inside Ocala city limits.

<p>An Ocala man struck by a vehicle while walking down a road in north Marion County in late June has died.</p><p>Florida Highway Patrol troopers said Friday that Robert James, 55, was pronounced dead at UF Health at Jacksonville on Aug. 23. Officials said James died from complications from wounds he received in the crash, which occurred June 29.</p><p>Authorities said Monica K. Mitchell, 27, of Gainesville, was driving a 2005 Ford Expedition north on U.S. 441/U.S. 301 in the outside lane, approaching County Road 329. James, they said, was walking in the outside lane of U.S. 301, north of the intersection.</p><p>Mitchell traveled through the intersection at CR 329, and she saw James and tried to stop, but the left front of her vehicle struck him.</p><p>The accident occurred at 1:55 a.m.</p><p>James was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville in critical condition. He was later transferred to Jacksonville, where he died.</p><p>Troopers said it is not known where James was going.</p><p>At this point, it does not appear speed or alcohol were a factor on the part of the driver, troopers said, adding that the investigation remains open.</p><p>James' death is the 34th for the year in the county, four of which occurred inside Ocala city limits.</p><p>Of the 34 deaths, five were pedestrians, officials said.</p><p><i>Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118 or austin.miller@starbanner.com.</i></p>